
Version 1.3.9 Change Log:
- Sim Update 9 Release
- Bugfix: CTD when using "Save VFR Pilot View"
- Reduced Engine Start-up times
- Elimineated highlight for instrument gauges
- Minor checklist fixes
- Flaps switch animates to external commands
- Emergency Throttles no longer move main throttles
Version 1.2.7 Change Log:
- Sim Update 7 Compatibility
- Reduced Glass Scratches and fingerprintgs (inside and out)
- ATC Make & Model Callouts
- Sound system bug fixes
Version 1.1.6 Changes:
- Sim Update 6 Compatibility
- 4K Textures (including bumps and PBR)
- 3D detailing improvements (can you find them all?)
- Elevator Trim 50% more responsive
- Minor sound system adjustments for Wind, Airbrake and throttle levers, brakes.
Fixed bugs:
- Altitude alerter sound is now tied to its electrical ciruit
- Minor 3D model fixes.
The Machine:
A fully aerobatic, very-light Jet that compares to the Bede BD-5J, but heavier and sporting two instead of one TRS-18 turbojets. Up to Mach 0.47 and 650 NM of range, with a service ceiling of 25000ft. A low stall speed (for a jet) makes the aircraft good for short field operations.
Certified for VFR operations only, yet includes a good avionics suite.
This is a "Classic" aircraft featuring "Steam" gauges and radios. Yet, controls and systems are easy to operate.
The History:
The C-22J is the last aircraft to be adorned with the legendary Caproni name. Originally known as "Caproncino", then marketed as "Ventura". A very-light jet developed in the 1980s as a military trainer, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Powered by two TRS-18 turbojets fed from a dorsal NACA intake, the aircraft reached Mach 0.47 and was fully aerobatic. The airframe shows its origin in a glider design, the Caproni A-21 Calif. After the merger with SIAI Marchetti, the project was cancelled in favor of the SF-260.
The Simulation - 3D Model:
This aircraft ships with a 3-D cockpit, that incorporates realistic night lighting, in the form of a dim dome flood light, backlit gauges and luminous digital displays. The flight crew of 2 is affected by your input in the payloads menu of Flight Simulator, allowing to choose between male, female or empty seats.
The Simulation - Realism:
This aircraft has been tuned with the invaluable help of Engineer Carlo Ferrarin, who created the real aircraft. Unique and one-off documentation has been kindly provided, and used extensively, for the creation of this product!
Just like the real aircraft, the systems are simple and of easy operation. Engines can be started with the press of a button. Systems modelling allows the following of real-world checklists as closely as Flight Simulator allows. An in-sim checklist is included, as well as a full flight manual.
The flight model is tuned with advanced aerospace techniques, resulting in a highly realistic aircraft, yet, it is very pleasant to fly, both during aerobatic displays or "A to B" cruising.
Highlights:
- High-Resolution 3D cockpit
- Full Documentation
- Aerobatic
Compatibility:
- Flight simulator (2020, PC) (Sim Update VII Tested)
- VR Tested
PRICE IS RIGHT.
As a retired Naval Aviator, I did all my IFR training in aerobatic turboprop aircraft (the T-34C Turbo Mentor), and subsequently all of my IFR flying (a substantial amount in the thousands of hours) on the steam gauges of 60's and 70's era military machines. This Ventura is not only a hoot to zoom across the tree or cloud tops horizon to horizon, but it is also very, very impressive in the night IFR environment.
Do yourselves a favor for Christmas 2021. Buy this. Get familiar with how she handles in some fun VFR scenery.
Then plan you a challenging night IFR flight from your hometown to a distant city you've wanted to visit, call up clearance delivery, get your climb-out instructions, twist in that squawk code, and feel that helmet-fire as you let down from 15000' to your IAF on a VOR/DME arcing approach to minimums...
If you like flying with manual instrument like VOR/NDB, but hate the slow speed of c152, then this jet is godsent!
The author has delivered top quality at a very fair (as in: low) price. This is a blast to fly. It's a 60s airplane with VFR instrumentation only, no GPS. It's a great step upwards if you have maxed out your advanced GA plane like a Mooney, Bonanza, or dual engine props, and you're looking for the next challenge, but it should still be remotely realistic and not completely nuts like a fighter jet. I love to use it for low-level VFR sightseeing and going places quickly but while still seeing where I go along the way. You can let the simulator do the hard work and just blast around at 200 knots, or you can fly by the 77 page manual and the extensive checklists and learn it for real.
The airplane is tiny. On the tarmac, you're below the ramp agents' eye level. Seated like in an Italian sports car, you feel like you're sliding on the tarmac on your butt. The cockpit looks fantastic, exactly the worn out, messy, vintage look that I love about old airplanes.
Once you get the hang of it, it's a blast to fly. Great view, two jet engines, speed brake, stalls at 70 knots but can go over 250 knots at 10K ft. Complex operation, full manual with original diagrams and illustrations.
This is a study-level aircraft that is realistic but fun to fly, very versatile, looks great and is a steal at below 10 bucks. Get it if you're into vintage VFR flying but want something to challenge yourself that has a bit more oomph but isn't ridiculous.
Very nice, perhaps the only flaws are the internal textures (which I was told, however, that the creator is already working on the 4k textures) and the slightly loud sounds.
Excellent price quality!
Certo, le texture degli interni non sono il top ma volarlo è una goduria e alla fine si resta appagati.
Nice "simple" acrobatic jet to tootle about in at 200knots.
Textures are very P3D quality and not up to MSFS native standard.
VR (quest2) has night light "z fighting" problem on dials.
apart from those minor niggles the aircraft is vast amounts of fun in a VFR way.
it feels like a luxury Bede J5 and is very seat of the pants.
I can't recommend it highly enough at this orice range.
buy it.
Think of this plane as a Pitts or Extra 300 on steroids due to its jet engines. But then you can pop out the speedbrakes and drop into relatively short fields. Its speed, maneuverability, and view from the cockpit make the C-22 an ideal plane for harassing other MSFS players flying anything piston :). There are a few caveats, however...
First, this plane shares a post-SU5 (1.18.x) problem with many other non-Marketplace 3rd-party planes: the direction of the elevator trim AXIS (not buttons) is reversed compared to all the stock and marketplace MSFS planes. Not a MAJOR problem and easily corrected with a few clicks in the control options, but then you have to remember to change it back before flying something else. If you don't use the elevator trim AXIS, then this isn't a problem for you at all.1
Second, the plane is QUITE squirrelly at high speed on the ground in any sort of crosswind, such as just before rotation and just after touchdown. But I figure this is realistic given the narrow track and short wheelbase of the LG. Just be ready for this. At lower speeds, ground handling is no problem at all. The POH says not to use differential braking to turn but you really don't need to as the rudder pedals provide plenty of steering.
Third, the plane requires A LOT of aileron trim to fly straight. I don't understand why because it's a jet with engines essentially on the centerline. It seems wind-related as every time you make a major course change (and thus change the angle of the wind on the plane), you have to retrim the ailerons (a lot). I don't think this is how it's supposed to work.
Finally, just remember this plane is day/night VFR-only, so while its ceiling is FL250, you can't legally go that high. And there's no glideslope needle, no de-ice system, and no autopilot (and it really doesn't trim out to fly hands-off very well). This is a plane for zooming around visually in fair weather carrying yourself, your significant other, and a picnic basket, without time acceleration. Don't ask more of it than that and try really hard to avoid crosswinds on takeoffs and landings.
I always liked the old style instruments and this one really ticks all the boxes. I can't add more than the other
reviews telling. For the price anyway. it's a joy to fly, the sounds and visual effects are fantastic with 8KX.
My favourite aircraft so far. Great job!
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Sim Update VII +)